Perhaps to be a participant. I'm more of an onlooker, rather than a participant.

I've never been one to join clubs or organizations or to take up a cause.

Maybe that's a negative.

I could be better neighbor.

I could smile more. That wouldn't take much effort.

I've read there are 10 top resolutions that people make in the new year.

First they resolve to spend more time with family and friends.

Second is to get fit, followed by taming the bulge.

Fourth on the list is to quit smoking. On average smokers try about four times before they quit for good.

That's encouraging for those who are still trying.

Number five is to enjoy life more. Suggestions are to get out, do something new, to travel, take up a new hobby, go to a theatre performance, or exercise class or try skiing. Last year I traveled more, joined an exercise class and learned some new country line dances..

The sixth most popular resolution is to quit drinking. There's no problem there for me. I'm not an imbiber.

Lots of people struggle with number seven. That is to get out of debt; to get a handle on their finances.

Those plastic cards are causing havoc for many in-debt citizens. It's just too easy to charge. A good resolution for many would be to stop using credit cards altogether. Cash only, And to pay debts on time.

All of us can probably benefit by resolution number eight; to learn something new.

Now that I think of it, that was one of my resolutions last year.

Number nine is to help others. There are all kinds of opportunities for volunteer services.

Number ten resolution is to get organized. That should be my number one resolution.

I think lots of men and women have PMS. Translated that means personal mess stress syndrome.

Some of us just aren't organized. We need a clutter rescue course.

Yes, there actually are such courses and they are conducted by certified professional organizers.

The personal organizer teaches how to reduce clutter, and find peace in your home. The organizer explains how to conquer the "but I might need it someday" syndrome.

I definitely need such services.

When you spend 15 minutes each day searching for your keys or your eye glasses or the tape measure, you definitely need the tenth resolution. If you save bank statements that date back to 1980, you need help. Ditto if you save single socks that have no mates. And if you regularly lose items on your desk top, you need organizing

I'm the type who saves old Mother's Day cards, birthday cards, and dated calendars. I've also been known to save empty boxes of all sizes. Who knows when one might need that vacuum cleaner box or toaster box or coffeemaker box. Empty boxes and plastic margarine containers come in handy sometime. But there comes a day when those saver items become clutter.